Thanks to Linda for this reminder about next week’s screenings. Ed
Ventnor Film Society present two screenings of Metro Manila.
In search of a better life, penniless rice farmer Oscar Ramirez decides to move his family from the mountains of the Northern Philippines to the bustling capital of Manila. Oscar finds a job as an security van driver but is soon overwhelmed by the tough local slum landlords and employers who see him as an easy target. His pretty young wife is reduced to working in a seedy bar and Oscar is soon drawn into the dangerous and corrupt world of the city’s desperate underside and when he is encouraged to steal a safety deposit box from a coke dealer his honesty comes into conflict with his need to provide for his family.
The film begins as a migrant drama but turns into an intelligent drama/heist movie which delivers unexpected twists as the sometimes brutal crime story unfolds and leads to a surprising climax.
When British director Sean Ellis could not find a backer for his next film in the UK, he decided to shoot one in the Philippines. Inspired by a visit to the vibrant capital, he wrote a script and set off for Manila with a shoestring budget, a handheld digital camera and just two vanloads of crew. Whilst the original script was in English, the local actors each translated their own dialogue into their native Tagalog. The result is an exciting mixture of social comment and crime thriller and a vivid portrait of one of the toughest cities on earth.
Critics
What the critics say,
Jennifer Tate (View London) “Metro Manila is an intense and emotionally gripping crime drama with a powerful narrative, arresting cinematography and some truly impressive performances from its cast, and Jake Macapagal in particular.” ****
Amber Wilkinson ( Eye For Film) “Metro Manila is a film to be reckoned with, offering a gripping narrative, poetic imagery and some social commentary to boot.” ****
Where, when and how much
Ventnor Film Society meets in the Ventnor Arts Club, High Street, Ventnor, which offers comfortable seating and HD projection. In order to be sure of a place, please reserve a seat by emailing [email protected] or local viewers can always take a chance and turn up on the night.
Screenings take place on alternate Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7.30pm and latecomers are not admitted.
Entrance is £6 payable at the door and is not necessary to be a member of the Arts Club to attend. Doors open at 6.30pm.
People tend to meet up in the bar before the film and some stay on afterwards to chat.
Easter visitors welcome
There is no need to be a member. If you’re in town for an Easter break, we’d love you to join us for a great film and maybe drink in the bar.
